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2011 NFL Draft

Running 40-yard times in the high 4.2, low 4.3 range will get NFL scouts' attention. The Raiders pick the fastest man in the Combine, EWU RB Taiwan Jones.

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NEW YORK -- If by chance you were roaming around midtown Sunday, you might have come upon folks stumbling out of Radio City Music Hall and into the brilliant sun. They might have looked a mite addled, like gophers who had just tunneled to the surface, but then you would too if you'd just been extricated from three days of full-on wacky.

It began Thursday night with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell getting serenaded with rounds upon rounds of boos, the vitriol gushing forth in geysers of animosity. The balconies were a kaleidoscope of disparate jerseys and those jerseys bonded in rare raptness, the fans demonstrating their extreme distaste for an autumn without football.

Goodell did everything but cup his ear while saying, again and again, "I hear you," and "So do I," to the people's cry of "We want football." For a brief window it seemed the people would get their wish, as a judge in Minnesota had deemed illegal the lockout ordered by the league and its 32 owners. The first night of the 2011 NFL Draft swirled with optimism.

Story Milestones

Mark Ingram sobbing into a camera is one of several touching stories from this year's draft. Lisa Olson says those types of moments made football fans, for at least a moment, forget about the NFL lockout.

The final rounds of the 2011 NFL Draft are under way. Vinnie Iyer says Carolina doesn't go for the big corner prize in Patrick Peterson, but Brandon Hogan is an aggressive athlete who helps fill a need.

The 49ers trade up in the second round of the NFL Draft to grab Colin Kaepernick. Clifton Brown says he may have the strongest arm in the draft, a former major league pitching prospect with size and athletic ability.

The devastation in Alabama is felt even at the NFL Draft. Tide coach Nick Saban puts his players to work assisting in tornado relief efforts. One Bama player is hurt and his girlfriend is among the casualties.

Jake Locker could be a top 10 pick in next week’s draft, according to ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper. If both Cam Newton and Blaine Gabbert have already been drafted when the Titans pick at No. 8, Tennessee could turn to Locker as their quarterback of the future.

Mike Sims-Walker has flashed big-play ability but has struggled with consistency and is the Jaguars only established receiver. Russ Lande says it's a natural choice for Jacksonville to seek a wideout instead of another defensive lineman.

Relatively new to the receiver position, Kentucky’s Randall Cobb still has some learning to do, but he possesses off-the-charts instincts. Matt Crossman says Cobb plays like he’s been there before, even when he hasn’t.

Last year, linebacker was the No. 1 need, and it's the same for this draft, as the Jets still lack a big-time edge rusher. Coach Rex Ryan has two solid prospects in mind.
More AFC East: Pats after a DE

Julio Jones is a surefire first-round pick due to his ability to pluck passes out of the air. Matt Crossman says that skill was perfected by hours of catching tennis balls.
Mock draft: Gabbert, Ingram fall

Jerry Reese took over as general manager in 2007, and his first class was instrumental in the Super Bowl run, but since then, it has been hit and (mostly) miss. Reese has failed to find an impact linebacker and now’s the time to find one.

Miami's backfield could be in disarray as Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams are unrestricted free agents and the team likely cannot afford to retain both. Will the Dolphins go after Bama back Mark Ingram?

Anybody who watched Jamaal Charles run and Leon Washington return kicks last season knows that undersized players have an important place in the NFL. Here are some undersized defensive prospects—relative to their positions—who should get drafted.

The inability to find contributors in the draft the past few seasons is among the reasons Dallas finished 6-10 in 2010. Will 2011 be different for the Cowboys?
These undersized defenders could overachieve

Prince Amukamara is an actual prince and a sure first-round pick in the April draft. Amukamara fills Matt Crossman in on his Nigerian bloodline, his switch to cornerback and his desire to win as a pro.

Don't be surprised if Washington trades down to snag Jake Locker as the Redskins are in the market for a QB. Get this and more insider info from SN's correspondents.
Mock draft: Who's going No. 1 to Panthers?

Virginia Tech RB Ryan Williams was a big Emmitt Smith fan until he learned about Walter Payton. Since then, it's been all 'Sweetness' for Williams, who Russ Lande projects to be the No. 1 back taken in the '11 draft.